:)

We just got back from a pig roast...it turns out it was more like a high school reunion...I reunited with 5 former classmates from high school...haven't seen any of them in 15 years and they live in the same town. I am not sure why, but it was way too much fun.

Pigs in a pit are good. mmm

sounds like you had a good time kerosene

Ta muchly guys:)

Pig roast sounds fun kero!

Bumping into old school friends after a big gap is a fascinating experience I think.

Last day at school today.
May be my last day ever (refer to whichever thread I wrote in re changing from being on sick-leave to actively seeking work).

So why is this a happy thread?
Because so many children came up to tell me they'd miss me. And this is assuming I'll still be there next year in the class they are leaving.
And I had a five minute chat with Katelynn's Mum on the way in about how K was always coming home and saying, "Mrs O did this and Mrs O said that" etc.
And Grace - who is moving to another school next year - cried and hugged me and asked if I could go to her school too.
And when I was walking home I fell into step with Luke's Dad who immediately knew who I was and thanked me for the gift bags I gave out for my birthday earlier this month, and also said L spoke highly of me.

And I even got some cards and a few prizes! Unexpected and closely treasured. The real thrill is the fact I am just a (two day!) volunteer who these parents have never met and they can only have had my name from the children. A box of chocs here and there isn't all that much, but having touched a child's life briefly is amazing.

If I am not in paid work in September I will be back with a new class.
The good thing is that that's the nature of schoolwork.
I'd rather go to a new school and get paid than remain where I am unpaid - of course!
But if that's not an option I have to figure out a way to work and not give up my voluntary commitments (I've been provisionally accepted as a volunteer by the Girl Guide movement - that's evenings so I can do it whatever else happens)

So it's all good; one way I'll be volunteering in a school rated "outstanding" by OFSTED and knowing that they value me, the other way I'll be back working for a living and improving my life and hopefully back in school at some point.

My Chip re-setter for my ink cartridge continues to rule.

Sundae, that's fantastic. You deserve the accolades and more.

Dana, Sundae - I'm really looking forward to meeting such talented, charming and successful people in Glasgow next January!!
WTG everyone - lots of good news and smiles all round!!

Hey Mom, I'm a Mom too.
This young doe is back visiting us with her 1st offspring.
She wouldn't let us get closer for a pic, but her fawn is looking good.

This family comes around at this time of year to show off their young,
and then disappear until the next summer. Given we are in a developing urban area, each year we fear the traffic will take a final toll.

Cool, are those RR or trolley tracks?

Historically they are Southern Pacific, but were abandoned by SP and are now a sight-seeing trolly that only runs when the mood strikes.

The tracks on the far left look a lil wavy.

More excitement for the tourists...

In a few more years you will have an opportunity to harvest a tasty meal.

Thanks, I thought they looked kind of wavy. :D

I went to the Job Centre on Thursday and even found a vacancy using their system while I was there.
It's within public transport reach (although it will require a bit of commitment) but Mum has raised the idea of possibly getting me a second hand scooter again. In truth I'll be very surprised to get to interview stage, but it's a start, and a really unexpected find. I'm waiting for the application form, but in the meantime am doing my research on the internet re the school and the specific things they are looking for.

It's an infant school, so children up to 7, and it's working with a specific pupil. But it's a job and I long for it! And and the pay is quite low. But of course once I'm working I can legally do anything else I fancy to pick up extra money - babysitting, Saturday job, holiday work etc. I have no intention of overloading myself immediately, but it's there as a possibility if I want to save for something.

Talk about jumping the gun! I'll keep you updated of course.

These are the flowers my lovely teacher bought me as a thank-you.
She really is charming - she bought a little something for all the people who come into read, ALL the TAs she works with (as she takes different classes) and the dinner lady who supervises our class. She has class in both ways :)